Junior Cycle

THE NEW JUNIOR CYCLE

Junior Cycle

All students now study the new Junior Cycle Programme

*Become optional

In first year a language is compulsory for most students. We offer French or German. First Years choose two optional
subjects from the list of available optional subjects. The optional subjects for first years are:

All classes in first year are strictly mixed ability. Students re-choose their optional subjects going into second
year. Science and History are compulsory for all students for the Junior Cycle. Geography, Business Studies and
French/German become optional subjects from second year. The JCSP programme is offered to a small cohort of students
who have literacy and numeracy difficulties. It is an enhanced Junior Cycle programme.

The New Junior Cycle:

For the incoming first year students, all of the above subjects will be studied under the new Junior Cycle programme
and it is the same for the current second years, the programme was phased in over the last number of years and
represents a change in how students learn, are assessed and receive their accreditation.

First Year Curriculum

Students choose three options in total, from two different groupings.

*Students may be exempt from Irish in specific circumstances.

** Most students study at least one language in their first year. We will guarantee students at least their first
option besides a language.

Prior to 2nd Year, students re-choose their subjects for Junior Cycle, and the optional subjects now include
Geography and Business Studies. Students choose four options for Junior Cycle.

JUNIOR
CYCLE INFORMATION BOOKLET 2023

1ST
INTO 2ND YEAR INFORMATION

2nd and 3rd Year Curriculum

The New Programme in Junior Cycle:

From September 2019 on, all first year students will pursue the revised programme for the Junior Cycle (JCP) in all
subjects. In a departure from the traditional Junior Certificate, students participate in a number of Classroom
Based Assessments (CBA’s) in all subjects. Achievements in individual subjects will be awarded using a new grading
system. Wellbeing will form an integral part of the programme for the three years. Students will be awarded a Junior
Cycle Profile of Achievement(JCPA) after 3rd year. Under this new Junior Cycle Programme students who have
difficulties attaining the standards for the conventional Junior Cycle programme may take some subjects at L1LP and
L2LP learning programmes.

All students now study the new Junior Cycle Programme

• Active learning
• Project Work
• Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs)
• Assessment tasks
• New grading system for exams and Classroom Based Assessment
• Oral presentations in class
• Wellbeing is a core element underpinning all aspects of the curriculum.
• Less formal exams and shorter papers
• Most subjects at common level (except Irish, English and Maths)

Enhanced Programmes for Junior Cycle

Resource & Learning Support

Students can be withdrawn from Irish (if they have an exemption) for additional numeracy and literacy support and if
necessary from one subject option-line. This is based on the needs of the individual student as determined by a
psychological report (if any), reports from the primary school and the entrance test results.

The Junior Certificate Schools Programmes (J.C.S.P.)

Cohorts of approximately 24 to 30 students are chosen each year to follow a special programme in addition to the
conventional Junior Certificate. It involves withdrawal from one option line or support during Irish for those
exempt from Irish. Students work on a number of projects/initiatives throughout 2nd and 3rd Year. Students are set
targets and get involved in a number of tasks both within school and outside. Students are awarded a folder of
certificates documenting their achievements during their Junior Cycle. The aim of this programme is to improve
numeracy and literacy among the students involved.

JUNIOR CYCLE INFORMATION

DEPT OF EDUCATION